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Stefan Karl Schmid
Stefan Karl Schmid is "without question one of the most intereting saxophonists of the young German jazz scene" (jazzandrock.com). With "a sound language full of nuances" (Kölner Stadtanzeiger) and an always "alert intellect" (DLF), the half-Icelandic, half-German has already "found his own personal style" (Mannheimer Morgen). He implements this style with great detail and virtuosity in diverse projects and ensembles, both as a saxophonist/ clarinettist and as a composer.
Schmid spreads his artistic work over various formations, which he leads partly alone, partly together with his band colleagues. From the intimate duo with pianist Lars Duppler, to trio and quartet formations (MUSE & Schmid's Huhn), to large ensembles such as his octet Pyjama or the Subway Jazz Orchestra, he impresses both playfully and compositionally with a "masterful sound language full of nuances that can be savoured with all the senses" (H.P. Koll).
On ten releases under his own name and more than 40 recordings as a sideman so far, it becomes clear with what creative intensity Stefan Karl Schmid gives expression to his artistic voice. He not only drives his own formations, but also impresses as an empathetic sideman (Reza Askari ROAR, Shannon Barnett Quartet), whose strength lies in his ability to blend into the collective sound, in shaping large arcs of tension and highly complex structures. He always does so on the basis of an individual expressive voice that knows how to stand out, but always feels deeply committed to the music as a whole.
Schmid studied in Nuremberg, Cologne and New York. He was a member of the Bundes Jazzorchester, curates concert series and teaches as a professor for jazz saxophone and ensemble at the University of Arts in Mannheim.
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‘With his refined tone, Schmid identifies himself as a modern descendant of the cool-jazz tradition. But he can also grip, and even in highly expressive power play, one notices the overview and control of an alert intellect in his lines.’
- Odilo Clausnitzer, Deutschlandfunk
’It's admirable within which accuracy and simultaneous emotional intensity Schmid (saxophone and clarinet) is able to conduct his instruments. Sometimes melancholic-quiet, sometimes explosive and hectic (including all shapes in between) he acts focused and strong [...]’
- Andreas Keller, RP
